ICA: Morimoto vs. Chauhan

Although Morimoto’s winning percentage of 59.6% just keeps him out of the Kitchen Stadium cellar (edging Cat Cora’s 58.9%) there is still something special about seeing the senior Iron Chef battle. It’s kind of like watching Michael Jordan playing through the flu to clinch a 6th NBA title or Brett Farve throwing for 399 yards and four touchdowns a day after his father’s death. There is always the chance that you will see something special, something truly memorable.

For this week’s battle Morimoto san had better pull out the magic bonita flakes and conjur the spirit of Musashi because Maneet Chauhan will be bringing her Indian-Latin fusion into Kitchen Stadium.

Since graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 2000, Chef Chauhan has been on the fast track to culinary stardom. At Vermillion she has made a name for herself after stops across the Indian sub-continent. She also did a stint in the Philadelphia suburb of Cherry Hil, NJ where she undoubtedly watched the meteoric success of the Iron Chef’s Philly fixture, Morimoto.

Vermilion is hosting a five-course “secret ingredient” dinner and viewing party to celebrate the debut of Morimoto vs Chauhan this Sunday night as the episode premieres on the Food Network at 10/9C PM. If you haven’t yet be sure to check out my exclusive interview with Chef Chauhan HERE.

Stuart is a celebrity chef, food activist and award-winning food writer. He penned the cookbooks Third Coast Cuisine: Recipes of the Gulf of Mexico, No Sides Needed: 34 Recipes To Simplify Life and Amigeauxs - Mexican/Creole Fusion Cuisine. He hosts two Internet cooking shows "Everyday Gourmet" and "Little Grill Big Flavor." His recipes have been featured in Current, Lagniappe, Southern Tailgater, The Kitchen Hotline and on the Cooking Channel.